A significant number of tools and a Nissan Navara Ute were stolen when offenders broke into the Kaiser Reef Gold Processing Plant workshop and office in Maldon early Saturday, February 10.
The vehicle was later found burnt out on Fogartys Gap Road near the Calder Highway.
Detective Sergent Steve Atkinson from the Maryborough Crime Investigation Unit told the Express that police units and police air wing attended the scene.
“Witnesses saw two males fleeing the scene,” Sgt Atkinson said.
“One male in his 30s has been arrested and charged for burglary, arson, criminal damage and theft and is bailed to appear at the Bendigo Magistrates Court on March 25.
“Further investigations are taking place in relation to the other suspect and police expect to make an arrest in due course,” he said.
Police suspect that the motivation for the crime was connected to another vehicle, stolen from the Bendigo area, that was found broken down not far from the processing plant. Two females have been arrested for the theft of the broken down vehicle.
The majority of the items stolen have been recovered including large plant equipment and tool boxes located in a nearby paddock.
